Chapter 19 - Carved by Fire, Guarded by Stars

(Author's Note:) 

Find illustrations of each character and monster in the comments at the end of the chapter!

If you're interested in seeing more character arts, checking out the wiki, or discussing the story, feel free to join the Discord server: 

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***

Atlas found himself on volcanic terrain, surrounded by charred trees and rivers of molten lava. The heat was intense—nearly unbearable—and for a moment, he half-worried his hair might actually catch fire.

Was it a mistake to come here?

Karian immediately drew his greatsword, readying himself for battle. 

The landscape around them resembled a scorched forest, with sparse, burned trees and active lava flows. It was definitely a hostile environment; Atlas couldn't help but feel relieved that his own island wasn't like this.

A distant roar echoed through the air, and suddenly, creatures appeared from all directions—a large pack of dog-like beasts with molten rock skin.

[Lava Hound Lv. 56]

[Lava Hound Lv. 61]

[Lava Hound Lv. 48]

Atlas swallowed hard. Aren't these levels a bit too high? Among his team, only Morganna's level came close to matching these monsters.

He glanced over at Morganna. Surprisingly, she sat quietly beside him, resting against his shoulder with an unreadable expression. 

Wasn't she avoiding him before? Now she's leaning on him like this?

The Lava Hounds snarled, their molten jaws dripping with heat. But before he could fully process their threat, a loud buzzing sound filled the air, growing closer by the second. 

From multiple directions, more creatures emerged—a swarm of beetles, huge beetles! Their shells hardened into lava-like armor.

[Lava Beetle Lv. 48]

[Lava Beetle Lv. 53]

[Lava Beetle Lv. 49]

Despite the oppressive heat, Atlas felt a chill run through him. They were surrounded by hostile monsters, and the odds didn't look good. This could turn dangerous fast.

Karian moved toward the edge, readying himself to jump into the fray.

"Karian, are you sure about this?" 

"My Lord, I can handle it," Karian replied confidently, then leaped down, immediately swarmed by the Lava Hounds from all directions.

Before Atlas could react, Edrik jumped down as well. Wait, doesn't he still lack a weapon?

Meanwhile, Lyrassa lifted her hands, casting a skill that wrapped vines around their bodies, blooming with small flowers. 

So, this must be her healing aura, he thought, already feeling a slight recovery effect.

Then, out of nowhere, Morganna leaped down, her scythe materializing in her hand. Atlas stared in shock as she didn't strike at the monsters but instead kicked Karian, sending him sprawling forward.

What the hell is she doing?!

"Get out of my way, you idiots! You're going to get yourselves killed!" Morganna exclaimed.

***

Amidst the clouds, a floating carriage drifted—a crystal carriage with intricate silver and gold engravings. Its transparent canopy and plush blue seats inside lent an air of both comfort and elegance.

Inside sat two young women, no, but teen girls, each distinct in her own way—one in blue, the other in red.

Luna, dressed in a deep navy-blue gown, stood gracefully, her long silver hair cascading down her back and a crescent moon tattoo adorning her cheek. 

"Ember, are you sure about what you're saying? A beastkin—a bunny girl? Stranded on the worst possible land? That's heartbreaking. We have to do something, Ember."

Ember, clad in a red-and-black asymmetrical outfit with flame patterns, raised her crimson sniper rifle and peered into the distance. 

"See for yourself, Luna…" She adjusted her aim. "I can spot her from here—yes, a poor bunny girl, all alone on a barren island. And I'm certain that floating island is no more than two days old."

Luna, her expression growing more worried, nodded. "Let's see what we find there, Ember. Because… if what you're saying is true, then we need to help her. This is far too cruel for a beastkin, as you described."

"Yeah, Luna… so far, we've saved ten young female Lords in similar situations. At least we've given them a fighting chance, and yes, all of them have survived so far. And as the leaders of this alliance, we know exactly what needs to be done." 

The carriage now hovered closer to the desolate floating island. There was a small fortress in the center of the island—not bad—but what was the girl doing out there? Gardening?

Luna stood up, waving her hand toward the island, though she couldn't get through the protective shield. 

"Hi… there!" she called out, raising her voice.

The bunny girl, busy tending to her garden, perked up at the sound, her rabbit ears twitching as she looked over at them.

Ember suddenly gripped Luna's arm tightly. "Luna… that girl…"

She's too cute! they both whispered in awe.

The bunny girl ran over with an excited expression, her eyes bright and innocent as she looked up at them. She waved enthusiastically. "Hi… hello! My name is Mira… hi!" she greeted, her smile pure and cheerful.

Luna clutched Ember's arm, barely able to contain herself. "Ember!"

She's too cute! they both whispered in awe.

Luna cleared her throat. "Ehum! hi there," she replied. "My name is Luna. Are you… The Lord?"

Mira tilted her head, looking confused before answering cheerfully, "No, not anymore!"

Luna and Ember exchanged shocked glances, then turned away to whisper to each other.

"Ember, this poor girl… she's already given up, even before her first battle. She doesn't even dare to admit she's the Lord."

"Yes, Luna, she's in such a sad state. We have to lift her spirits!"

"She's all alone and completely unprepared," Luna murmured. "This world is so cruel for a sweet girl like her."

"Yes, and she's just… gardening. How can we leave her to face this on her own?" 

They turned back to Mira.

"Hey, would you like to be our friend?" Luna called out.

"Friend?" Mira's eyes widened, glowing with wonder, though she soon paused, looking hesitant and thoughtful.

Ember leaned over and whispered, "Luna, I don't think she trusts us yet."

"It's okay, let's not put any pressure on her," Luna replied gently.

She called out again, louder this time. "Hey, Mira! Don't worry—we'll protect your island. We'll send materials so you can build it up, and we'll make sure you get through the first attack safely."

Mira's brows knitted in confusion. "Ah, Luna… no, I mean, this island is…" 

"Don't worry about it," Luna assured her. "We're Rank 2 Scouts. We're strong, we have plenty of resources, and we don't expect anything in return. Take care, Mira. We'll be back soon!"

Ember waved as well. "Take care, Mira! See you soon!"

As the carriage began to drift away, Mira ran toward the edge, waving desperately. 

"Wait, wait! I mean… my Lord is just out…!" But her words were lost as the carriage floated out of earshot.

In the carriage, Luna and Ember both let out a sigh.

"We're an alliance of female Lords, Ember," Luna said. "We can't just leave a cute girl like Mira to suffer."

"Agreed, Luna. Luckily, we found her in time," Ember replied, nodding. "Now we can step in before anything bad happens."